10861181

Information Processing Apparatus and Information Processing Method

PublishedDecember 8, 2020
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
17 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. An information processing apparatus, comprising: a central processing unit (CPU) configured to: select a display object from a plurality of candidate objects, wherein each of the plurality of candidate objects includes attribute information that indicates a degree of priority, the selected display object corresponds to a specific position in a visual field of a user of the information processing apparatus, and the degree of priority of the selected display object is highest from among degree of priorities of the plurality of candidate objects; and control a display screen to display the selected display object based on line-of-sight information that indicates a line of sight of the user, wherein the selected display object is displayed in association with the specific position; and change a manner of the display of the selected display object based on the attribute information of the selected display object.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an information processing apparatus that dynamically selects and displays visual objects based on user attention and object priority. The apparatus includes a central processing unit (CPU) that identifies a display object from multiple candidate objects, each having attribute information indicating a priority level. The selected object is the one with the highest priority and corresponds to a specific position within the user's visual field. The CPU uses line-of-sight data to determine the user's gaze direction and displays the selected object at the corresponding position. The display method of the object is adjusted based on its attribute information, allowing for dynamic visual feedback. This system enhances user interaction by prioritizing and presenting information in a context-aware manner, improving efficiency in tasks requiring attention to specific visual elements. The apparatus ensures that the most relevant object is prominently displayed while adapting its presentation style to convey additional context or importance. This approach is useful in applications like augmented reality, user interfaces, or attention-guided displays where prioritizing information based on user focus is critical.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the CPU is further configured to change the manner of display of the selected display object based on the line-of-sight information.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an information processing apparatus that enhances user interaction by dynamically adjusting the display of objects based on eye-tracking data. The apparatus includes a display unit for presenting visual content, an input unit for receiving user commands, and a CPU that processes these inputs. The CPU detects a user's line-of-sight direction using an eye-tracking system and identifies a display object aligned with the user's gaze. When the user selects this object, the CPU modifies its visual presentation—such as changing color, size, or position—to provide feedback or highlight the selection. This dynamic adjustment improves user experience by making interactions more intuitive and responsive. The system may also prioritize or emphasize certain objects based on gaze duration or frequency, further tailoring the interface to the user's behavior. The invention is particularly useful in applications requiring precise or efficient input, such as medical imaging, design software, or augmented reality interfaces. By integrating eye-tracking with display adjustments, the apparatus reduces cognitive load and enhances accuracy in selecting and manipulating on-screen elements.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the CPU is further configured to change the manner of the display of the selected display object based on a change of at least one of a layout of the display object, a manner of ornamentation on the selected display object, and a manner of omission of the selected display object.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an information processing apparatus designed to enhance user interaction with displayed objects. The apparatus includes a display unit for presenting display objects and a CPU configured to select a display object based on user input. The CPU further modifies the visual presentation of the selected object in response to changes in layout, ornamentation, or omission. The layout change may involve repositioning or resizing the object, while ornamentation adjustments include altering decorative elements like borders, colors, or icons. Omission changes involve selectively hiding or removing parts of the object. These modifications help users distinguish selected objects and improve visual clarity. The apparatus may also include an input unit for receiving user commands and a storage unit for storing display data. The CPU dynamically updates the display based on user interactions, ensuring real-time feedback. This system is particularly useful in graphical user interfaces where visual feedback is critical for usability. The invention addresses the need for intuitive and responsive display management in digital interfaces.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. An information processing apparatus, comprising: a central processing unit (CPU) configured to: select a display object from a plurality of candidate objects, wherein the selected display object corresponds to a specific position in a visual field of a user of the information processing apparatus; control a display screen to display the selected display object, wherein the selected display object is displayed in association with the specific position, and the selected display object is displayed based on line-of-sight information that indicates a line of sight of the user; and change a manner of the display of the selected display object based on the line-of-sight information and state information, wherein the state information indicates at least one of a locomotion state of the user or a conversation state of the user.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an information processing apparatus that enhances user interaction by dynamically displaying objects based on the user's line of sight and behavioral state. The apparatus includes a central processing unit (CPU) that selects a display object from multiple candidate objects, where the selected object corresponds to a specific position within the user's visual field. The CPU controls a display screen to show the selected object at this position, using line-of-sight information to determine the object's placement. The apparatus further adjusts the display of the selected object based on both the line-of-sight data and state information, which includes the user's movement (e.g., walking, standing) or conversational state (e.g., speaking, listening). For example, the object's appearance, size, or position may change if the user is moving or engaged in a conversation. This system improves user experience by ensuring displayed objects remain relevant and unobtrusive based on real-time contextual factors.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the CPU is further configured to determine the manner of the display of the selected display object based on an assessment that the attribute information of the selected display object includes text information or the attribute information of the selected display object excludes the text information.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an information processing apparatus that dynamically adjusts the display of objects based on their attributes. The apparatus includes a central processing unit (CPU) that processes display objects, each having associated attribute information. The CPU selects a display object from a plurality of display objects and determines the manner of its display by assessing whether the attribute information includes text information or excludes text information. If the attribute information contains text, the display manner is adjusted accordingly, such as altering font, size, or layout. If the attribute information lacks text, the display manner is adjusted differently, such as modifying graphical elements or positioning. The apparatus ensures that display objects are presented in an optimized format based on their content type, improving user experience and readability. The invention enhances adaptability in graphical user interfaces by dynamically tailoring the presentation of objects to their inherent attributes, particularly distinguishing between text-based and non-text-based content. This approach streamlines information presentation and reduces user effort in interpreting displayed data.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein, based on the line-of-sight information and the attribute information that includes the text information, the CPU is further configured to change a number of displayed characters of the text information.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to information processing systems that adjust text display based on user line-of-sight tracking and content attributes. The technology addresses the challenge of optimizing text presentation for readability and user engagement by dynamically modifying the number of displayed characters in response to detected visual focus and content characteristics. The system includes a processor that analyzes line-of-sight data to determine where a user is looking on a display. It also processes attribute information associated with text content, which may include metadata, formatting tags, or semantic data. Using this combined input, the processor adjusts the visible character count of text elements. For example, when a user's gaze lingers on a particular text section, the system may expand the display to show more characters, while reducing character count for less-attended areas. The adjustment can be based on factors like text importance, user preferences, or contextual relevance. This approach improves information accessibility by tailoring displays to individual viewing patterns and content significance, enhancing both usability and efficiency in digital content consumption. The system may also incorporate additional features from related claims, such as gaze-based scrolling or adaptive font sizing, to further personalize the reading experience. The core innovation lies in its real-time, data-driven text presentation adjustments that respond to both visual attention and content attributes.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein, based on the line-of-sight information and the attribute information that includes the text information, the CPU is further configured to highlight the text information.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to information processing systems that enhance user interaction with text-based content by dynamically highlighting text based on line-of-sight tracking and attribute information. The system includes a display device, a line-of-sight detection unit, and a processing unit with a central processing unit (CPU). The line-of-sight detection unit tracks the user's gaze direction to determine which text elements the user is viewing. The processing unit analyzes attribute information associated with the text, including metadata such as keywords, importance levels, or contextual relevance. The CPU then highlights the text in real-time based on the line-of-sight data and the attribute information, improving readability and focus. For example, if the user looks at a section of text containing a high-priority keyword, the system may emphasize that text by changing its color, font size, or background. This dynamic highlighting helps users quickly identify and process important information, reducing cognitive load and enhancing efficiency in tasks like document review or data analysis. The system may also adjust highlighting based on user preferences or predefined rules, ensuring personalized and context-aware text presentation.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the CPU is further configured to: determine a position of a viewed point based on the line-of-sight information; determine a relationship between the position of the viewed point and the specific position; and select the display object corresponding to the specific position based on the relationship between the position of the viewed point and the specific position.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an information processing apparatus that enhances user interaction by tracking eye movements to select and display objects. The apparatus includes a CPU that processes line-of-sight information to determine the position of a viewed point, which represents where a user is looking. The CPU then evaluates the relationship between this viewed point and a predefined specific position, such as a target area on a display. Based on this relationship, the apparatus selects and displays a display object associated with the specific position. This allows for intuitive, gaze-based interaction with digital content, reducing the need for manual input devices. The system may be used in applications like virtual reality, augmented reality, or computer interfaces where precise and responsive user input is required. The invention improves upon prior art by providing a more natural and efficient way to interact with digital environments, leveraging eye-tracking technology to streamline user experience.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. An information processing apparatus, comprising: a central processing unit (CPU) configured to: determine a position of a viewed point based on line-of-sight information that indicates a line of sight of a user of the information processing apparatus; determine a relationship between the position of the viewed point and a specific position; select a first display object from a plurality of candidate objects based on the relationship between the position of the viewed point and the specific position and an assessment that a distance between the position of the viewed point and the specific position is less than or equal to a first value, or the distance between the position of the viewed point and the specific position is larger than the first value and less than or equal to a second value, wherein the selected first display object corresponds to the specific position in a visual field of the user; and control a display screen to display the selected first display object based on the line-of-sight information, wherein the selected first display object is displayed in association with the specific position.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to an information processing apparatus that enhances user interaction by dynamically displaying objects based on the user's line of sight. The apparatus addresses the problem of providing contextually relevant information to a user in a visual field, ensuring that displayed objects are appropriately positioned relative to the user's gaze. The apparatus includes a central processing unit (CPU) that determines the position of a viewed point by analyzing line-of-sight information, which tracks the user's gaze direction. The CPU then assesses the relationship between the viewed point and a specific position in the visual field. Based on this relationship and predefined distance thresholds, the CPU selects a display object from a set of candidate objects. The selection criteria involve either the distance between the viewed point and the specific position being within a first threshold or between the first and a second threshold. The selected object is then displayed on a screen, aligned with the specific position in the user's visual field. This ensures that the displayed information is contextually relevant and spatially accurate, improving user experience in applications such as augmented reality, user interfaces, or gaze-tracking systems. The apparatus dynamically adjusts the displayed content based on the user's gaze, providing a more intuitive and responsive interaction.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the CPU is further configured to prohibit selection of a second display object of the plurality of candidate objects based on the assessment that the distance between the position of the viewed point and the specific position is larger than the first value and less than or equal to the second value, and the second display object includes text information.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an information processing apparatus designed to enhance user interaction with displayed objects, particularly in scenarios where selection of certain objects should be restricted based on spatial relationships. The apparatus includes a display unit for presenting a plurality of candidate objects, a detection unit for determining a viewed point on the display, and a CPU configured to assess the distance between the viewed point and a specific position associated with each candidate object. The CPU evaluates this distance against predefined thresholds to control object selection. Specifically, if the distance exceeds a first threshold but does not exceed a second threshold, the CPU prohibits selection of a second display object among the candidate objects, where this second object contains text information. This restriction ensures that text-based objects are not inadvertently selected when the user's focus is too far from their intended target, improving usability in applications like touchscreens or gaze-tracking interfaces. The apparatus may also include additional features, such as allowing selection of other objects under different distance conditions or adjusting thresholds dynamically based on user behavior. The invention addresses challenges in distinguishing between intentional and unintentional selections, particularly in environments where precise input is difficult.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the first value and the second value are based on a visual field characteristic.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to information processing systems that adjust display parameters based on visual field characteristics to enhance user experience. The system includes a display device and a control unit that modifies display settings in response to detected visual field characteristics. The control unit adjusts a first value, such as brightness or contrast, and a second value, such as color temperature or sharpness, according to these characteristics. The visual field characteristics may include factors like ambient lighting conditions, user eye movement, or gaze direction, which influence how content is rendered. The control unit dynamically updates these values to optimize visibility and reduce eye strain. The system may also incorporate user preferences or environmental sensors to refine adjustments. By tailoring display parameters to visual field conditions, the invention improves readability and comfort for users in varying environments. This approach is particularly useful in applications like digital signage, medical imaging, or augmented reality, where visual clarity is critical. The invention ensures adaptive display performance without requiring explicit user input, enhancing usability in dynamic settings.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. An information processing apparatus, comprising: a central processing unit (CPU) configured to: determine a position of a viewed point based on line-of-sight information that indicates a line of sight of a user of the information processing apparatus; determine a relationship between the position of the viewed point and a specific position; select a display object from a plurality of candidate objects based on the relationship between the position of the viewed point and the specific position, wherein the selected display object corresponds to the specific position in a visual field of the user; determine a display range of a display screen for display of the selected display object, wherein the display range is determined based on the relationship between the position of the viewed point and the specific position; limit placement of the selected display object on the display screen, based on a visual field characteristic and the determined display range; and control the display screen to display the selected display object based on the line-of-sight information, wherein the selected display object is displayed in association with the specific position.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an information processing apparatus that enhances user interaction by dynamically displaying objects based on the user's line of sight. The apparatus addresses the challenge of providing intuitive and contextually relevant visual information to users by tracking their gaze and adjusting displayed content accordingly. The central processing unit (CPU) determines the position of a viewed point using line-of-sight information, which indicates the user's gaze direction. It then assesses the relationship between this viewed point and a predefined specific position within the user's visual field. Based on this relationship, the CPU selects a display object from multiple candidate objects, ensuring the chosen object corresponds to the specific position in the user's view. The display range for the selected object is calculated based on the relationship between the viewed point and the specific position. The apparatus further limits the placement of the display object on the screen by considering visual field characteristics and the determined display range. Finally, the CPU controls the display screen to show the selected object in association with the specific position, aligning it with the user's line of sight for seamless interaction. This system improves user experience by dynamically adapting displayed content to the user's focus, reducing cognitive load and enhancing engagement.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the CPU is further configured to: detect a target object corresponding to the specific position, and control the display based on detection of the target object.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an information processing apparatus designed to enhance user interaction with displayed content by detecting and responding to physical objects. The apparatus includes a processor configured to display content on a screen and detect a target object placed at a specific position relative to the screen. Upon detecting the object, the processor adjusts the display output, such as modifying the content or triggering an interactive response. The system may involve optical sensors, cameras, or other detection mechanisms to identify the object's presence and position. The apparatus can be used in applications like interactive displays, augmented reality, or educational tools where physical objects influence digital content. The invention addresses the need for seamless integration between physical and digital interactions, improving user engagement and responsiveness in interactive systems. The processor's ability to dynamically adjust the display based on object detection enables real-time feedback and customization, enhancing the overall user experience.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. An information processing apparatus, comprising: a central processing unit (CPU) configured to: select a first display object from a plurality of candidate objects, wherein the selected first display object corresponds to a specific position in a visual field of a user of the information processing apparatus; control a display screen to display the selected display object based on line-of-sight information that indicates a line of sight of the user, wherein the display screen is controlled at a first time interval longer than a second time interval, and the second time interval corresponds to display of a frame; and maintain a layout of a second display object in a third time interval in which the display control is not performed.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an information processing apparatus that enhances user interaction by dynamically adjusting displayed objects based on the user's line of sight. The apparatus addresses the challenge of efficiently presenting relevant information to a user while minimizing visual distractions. The central processing unit (CPU) selects a first display object from multiple candidate objects, where the selected object corresponds to a specific position within the user's visual field. The display screen then presents this object using line-of-sight information, ensuring alignment with the user's gaze. The display updates at a first time interval, which is longer than the second time interval used for standard frame display, reducing unnecessary visual changes. Meanwhile, the layout of a second display object remains unchanged during a third time interval when the dynamic display control is inactive, maintaining stability for other on-screen elements. This approach optimizes information presentation by prioritizing gaze-aligned content while preserving the overall display structure. The system balances responsiveness and stability, improving user experience in applications requiring real-time visual feedback.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein the CPU is further configured to maintain the layout based on a distance between a position of a viewed point and the specific position, and the distance is identified based on the line-of-sight information.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an information processing apparatus that adjusts a displayed layout based on a user's line-of-sight information. The apparatus includes a CPU that detects a viewed point, which is a position on a display being observed by a user, and a specific position, which is a predefined reference point on the display. The CPU calculates the distance between the viewed point and the specific position using line-of-sight information, such as eye-tracking data, and dynamically adjusts the layout of displayed content based on this distance. For example, the layout may be maintained or modified to prioritize content near the viewed point or specific position. The apparatus may also include a display unit for presenting the adjusted layout and a line-of-sight detection unit for capturing the user's gaze direction. The invention aims to improve user interaction by dynamically adapting the display layout to the user's focus, enhancing usability and efficiency in tasks such as reading, browsing, or navigating digital content.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the CPU is further configured to superimpose and display the selected display object on a real space or an image showing the real space.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an information processing apparatus designed to enhance user interaction with digital content in a real-world environment. The apparatus includes a central processing unit (CPU) that processes and displays digital objects, such as images or graphical elements, in a way that integrates them with the physical world. The CPU is configured to select a display object from a set of available digital content and then superimpose and display this object over a real space or an image representing the real space. This functionality enables augmented reality (AR) applications, where digital information is overlaid onto the user's view of the physical environment, improving context-aware interactions. The apparatus may also include additional features, such as capturing real-world images, analyzing spatial data, and dynamically adjusting the display of digital objects based on user input or environmental conditions. The invention addresses the challenge of seamlessly blending digital content with real-world contexts, enhancing applications in navigation, education, gaming, and industrial training by providing intuitive and immersive visual overlays.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. An information processing method, comprising: selecting a display object from a plurality of candidate objects, wherein each of the plurality of candidate objects includes attribute information that indicates a degree of priority, the selected display object corresponds to a specific position in a visual field of a user, and the degree of priority of the selected display object is highest from among degree of priorities of the plurality of candidate objects; controlling a display screen to display the selected display object based on line-of-sight information that indicates a line of sight of the user, wherein the selected display object is displayed in association with the specific position; and changing a manner of the display of the selected display object based on the attribute information of the selected display object.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an information processing method for dynamically displaying objects in a user's visual field based on priority and line-of-sight tracking. The method addresses the challenge of efficiently presenting relevant information to a user in a visually intuitive manner, particularly in environments where multiple objects compete for attention. The method involves selecting a display object from a set of candidate objects, each of which has attribute information indicating a priority level. The selected object is the one with the highest priority among the candidates and corresponds to a specific position in the user's visual field. The system then controls a display screen to show this object at the designated position, using line-of-sight data to ensure alignment with the user's gaze. The display characteristics of the selected object, such as size, color, or animation, are adjusted based on its attribute information to enhance visibility or importance. Additionally, the method may include dynamically updating the display as the user's line of sight changes, ensuring that the highest-priority object remains prominently displayed. This approach optimizes information presentation by prioritizing relevant content and adapting the display to the user's focus, improving usability in applications like augmented reality, user interfaces, or attention management systems.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

December 8, 2020

Inventors

TAKAHIRO OKAYAMA
RYO FUKAZAWA
KUNIAKI TORII
KAZUOMI KONDO

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